Losing to Gain
Matthew 16:21-26
Jesus knew He was going to the cross to lay down His life for the world and He wanted the disciples to get that. Vs. 21
Peter was shocked at this statement because it went against the grain of his ideas on how we gain. How we win. Vs. 22
Satan wants us to have a false view of gain and what it means to be a loser. Vs. 23a
The key statement to Peter as Jesus rebukes him “For you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s”. vs. 23b
If reality TV has taught us anything it would be that people are willing to do just about anything for money and 15 minutes of fame.
In His call to self denial Jesus was giving us keys to win in this life and the next. Vs. 24
1. it is a personal decision
2. it takes a whole hearted commitment
3. it will involve a lifetime process
How is it possible that losing means winning? What is the message of Christian living?
Galatians 2:20 Romans 6:1-11
The symbol a baptism is very revealing. Dying to the old man to come up a new man.
The recent scandal on Wall Street serves as a perfect illustration of someone having gained it all only to lose it all. The picture a man going from the penthouse to the jailhouse is a picture of the soul of man living life on his own deceptive terms only to be judged and confined with no hope of release.
What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, only to lose his soul. Vs. 26
Jesus asks the question “How much is you soul worth”. Vs. 26
